Naval Base San Diego
Naval Base San Diego PCS Guide
Military Base History
181215-N-RF885-160 SAN DIEGO (Dec 15, 2018) Sideboys march to position during a change of command ceremony for Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, held on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), Dec. 15, 2018. The tradition of sideboys posted in two rows...
Naval Base San Diego began as a vital West Coast repair and supply facility for the U.S. Navy. In 1918, the U.S. government acquired land from the City of San Diego to establish a naval repair base. This move supported the growing Pacific Fleet during World War I, with construction ramping up in the early 1920s.
Major expansions occurred during World War II, transforming the base into a central hub for ship repair, overhaul, and logistics. The influx of personnel and vessels made it one of the Navy’s busiest facilities. During the Cold War, the base modernized to support new ship classes and advanced technology.
Significant units stationed at the base have included destroyer and amphibious squadrons, as well as support commands. The base has hosted a wide variety of vessels, from aircraft carriers to littoral combat ships, reflecting its evolving mission.
Today, Naval Base San Diego serves as the principal homeport for the Pacific Fleet’s surface ships. The base supports over 50 ships and numerous tenant commands, playing a crucial role in U.S. maritime strategy and the San Diego economy.
The base has been known by several names, including U.S. Destroyer Base San Diego and Naval Station San Diego. In 1998, it adopted its current name to better reflect its expanded mission and scope.
Major Units & Training Programs
Machinist Mate 2nd Class Nuha Naheem, left, Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jon Thomsen, center, and Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class William Rosales, all assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), conduct boat operations on Naval Base San Diego waterfront, April 28, 2025. Essex is...
Major Units
Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC)
Serves as the Type Commander for all surface ships in the U.S. Pacific Fleet, overseeing readiness, training, and operational deployment of cruisers, destroyers, amphibious ships, and littoral combat ships.
Expeditionary Strike Group 3 (ESG 3)
Provides command and control for amphibious ready groups and supports expeditionary warfare missions, including amphibious assault, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response operations in the Pacific region.
Naval Base San Diego Port Operations
Manages the safe and efficient movement of ships, tugs, and harbor craft within the port, supporting fleet readiness and logistical operations for homeported vessels.
Training Schools
Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS) Detachment San Diego
Overview
Provides advanced and refresher training for Surface Warfare Officers, focusing on shiphandling, navigation, engineering, and tactical employment of surface ships.
Course Length
2-8 weeks (varies by course)
Who Attends
Surface Warfare Officers and select enlisted personnel
Arrival & In-Processing
250416-N-FC968-6320 San Diego, CA (April 16, 2025) - Educators participating in the Educator Orientation Visit embarked on a harbor tour with Assault Craft Unit One (ACU-1). The tour was led by EN2 Alec Bryson, who provided informative responses to educator questions, offering insight from...
Welcome to Naval Base San Diego, the Navy’s premier West Coast homeport. Arriving prepared ensures a smooth check-in and quick transition to your new assignment. Review all arrival steps and required documents before your move. For more details, visit the official base website.
Naval Base San Diego’s main entrance is the Main Gate, located off Harbor Drive. The Main Gate operates 24/7 for authorized personnel. Additional gates, such as the 32nd Street Gate, may have limited hours—check the base website for current schedules. All drivers and passengers must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or other approved credentials. State driver’s licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act; non-compliant IDs require a secondary form of identification. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections at all entry points. The base maintains a high security posture, so allow extra time for gate processing. Family members and visitors must obtain a pass at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) before entering. Sponsors should pre-coordinate visitor access when possible.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Housing Assignment or Application
Naval Base San Diego offers a robust sponsor program for incoming personnel and families. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit’s administrative office or use the online request form linked on the base’s newcomer page. Sponsors help coordinate arrival details and answer questions before you report.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, Building 318, near the Main Gate. The center is open Monday through Friday, 0730–1600. Key steps include Personnel check-in, Finance, Housing, Medical/Dental, and Unit-specific briefings. Plan for the process to take 2–3 business days, depending on your assignment and family needs. Arrive early to maximize efficiency.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate on Harbor Drive. Hours are Monday–Friday, 0600–1800, and Saturday, 0800–1200. The VCC issues visitor passes, registers guests in DBIDS, and assists with sponsor-initiated access requests. Bring valid photo ID and sponsor information for all visitors.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Professional movers unloading empty moving boxes out of their truck to start moving more Soldiers out of the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks, Sept. 14, 2022 at Smoke Bomb Hill, Fort Bragg, N.C. Soldiers were given the option to move their own things by a dity move or having movers pack their things up and move it for them.
When you receive PCS orders to Naval Base San Diego, contact the base Transportation Office right away to start your move. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule your move, track shipments, and manage documents. Most service members choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where the government arranges movers, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), where you handle the move yourself for possible reimbursement. Both options require careful planning and documentation. You are entitled to Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) for up to 10 days to offset hotel costs while you secure permanent housing. Dislocation Allowance (DLA) helps cover miscellaneous moving expenses. Be sure to understand your weight allowances and keep receipts for all eligible expenses. Naval Base San Diego has a busy moving season in summer, so book services early and confirm dates often.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Book your movers and lodging early—San Diego is a high-demand location.
- Keep all important documents, orders, and receipts with you during travel.
- Review your weight allowance to avoid excess costs.
- Take photos and inventory your household goods before packing.
- Plan for pet transportation and base-specific requirements in advance.
- Check local housing waitlists and off-base options early.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your PCS move.
Check current rates and entitlements for TLE, DLA, and more.
Guidance, checklists, and support for every stage of your move.
Base-specific arrival information and local resources.